Giving Voice to Depression: Real Stories & Expert Support for Depression and Mental Health

What role can pets play in surviving depression? In this heartfelt episode, Lori shares her powerful story of how her beloved rescue dogs helped her through family trauma, a painful divorce, and the darkest moments of depression.From the structure of daily walks to the unconditional love of her standard poodles, Lori explains how her pets provided companionship, protection, purpose, and even healing when she felt she couldn’t go on. Along with Terry and Bridget, she also reflects on how fostering, volunteering, or even simply pet-sitting can bring connection and relief to people who struggle.If you’ve ever wondered whether pets can really make a difference in mental health, this episode offers both real-life testimony and practical ways animals can help ease depression.Primary Topics CoveredHow pets provide unconditional love and loyalty during depressionFamily history of depression and how stigma silenced open conversationSurviving a painful divorce and how dogs kept Lori goingThe healing role of therapy dogs and rescue petsHow walking dogs created structure, purpose, and daily connectionDistraction and grounding: focusing on pets instead of painThe calm and peace that pets bring into chaotic timesPractical ways to bring animals into your life, even if you can’t own oneTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 01:13 - Why pets can be powerful allies in mental health 01:35 - Meet Lori: a lifelong dog lover and mental health advocate 02:10 - Family history of depression and silence around mental illness 03:42 - Lori’s personal struggles and painful divorce 04:33 - How her dogs kept her alive during her darkest year 05:09 - The healing role of her rescue poodles 06:07 - Loyalty, protection, and companionship in hard times 06:20 - How walking dogs provided structure and purpose 07:17 - Pets as a lifeline during chaos and depression 08:06 - Walking and crying: the release of grief with dogs by her side 09:04 - Distraction and focusing on pets instead of depression 09:56 - How medication and dogs together built a safety net 11:22 - The calming presence of pets and the peace they bring 13:12 - The role of human connection alongside pets 14:10 - Daily check-ins and accountability with a best friend 15:47 - Advice: rescue, foster, volunteer, or pet-sit if you can’t own a pet 16:29 - Closing reflections and resourcesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What if the hardest part of surgery wasn’t physical recovery, but emotional healing? In this episode, Jordan shares his journey with post-surgical depression and anxiety after undergoing open-heart surgery at just 24 years old.He describes how intrusive thoughts, shame, and hopelessness set in after his operation—and how getting the right diagnosis and treatment (including medication) finally brought relief. Jordan also opens up about living with anxiety, why “calm down” is the worst thing you can say to someone experiencing it, and how curiosity, listening, and silence can be the most supportive responses.Terri and Dr. Anita also share their own experiences with post-surgical mood changes, highlighting how common and under-discussed they are. This episode is both validating and practical, reminding us that emotional recovery is just as real—and just as important—as physical healing.Primary Topics CoveredJordan’s open-heart surgery at age 24 and its impact on mental healthThe difference between physical and emotional recovery after surgeryPost-surgical depression (cardiac depression) and how common it isIntrusive thoughts, shame, and the link to OCDHow medication (SSRIs) eased anxiety and intrusive thoughtsWhy “calm down” is not helpful for someone with anxietyBetter ways to support people living with anxiety or depressionTerri and Dr. Anita’s own experiences with post-surgical depressionThe importance of recognizing and naming post-surgical emotional strugglesTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and welcome 02:21 - Anxiety and depression often go hand-in-hand 03:07 - Jordan’s story: diagnosed with congenital heart condition at 24 03:36 - The shock of open-heart surgery for a young athlete 04:21 - Emotional recovery harder than physical recovery 04:54 - Intrusive thoughts, shame, and depression after surgery 05:45 - Post-surgical depression: how common it is after heart surgery 06:32 - Struggles with medical professionals and finding the right psychiatrist 06:54 - OCD diagnosis, SSRI medication, and relief from intrusive thoughts 07:36 - Jordan explains what anxiety feels like from the inside 08:08 - Why telling someone to “calm down” makes things worse 09:32 - How to truly support someone with anxiety 11:40 - Misconceptions about asking people about suicide or anxiety 12:25 - Why talking openly creates safety and connection 13:56 - Jordan’s closing reflections: self-knowledge and validation 14:46 - Terri and Dr. Anita share their own post-surgical depression experiences 17:00 - Closing thoughts and resourcesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What happens when your job contributes to your anxiety and depression? In this episode, former Unilever executive Jeff MacDonald shares his personal story of being diagnosed with anxiety-fueled depression, how he navigated the stigma in corporate culture, and why he decided to speak openly about his struggles.Jeff discusses the challenges of returning to work while still in recovery, the risks many employees face when disclosing mental health concerns, and how stigma silences far too many. He also highlights how organizations benefit when they prioritize emotional well-being—not just physical safety—and why breaking stigma is both good for people and good for business.If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about mental health at work, or how organizations can better support their employees, this episode is an honest, practical, and hopeful conversation about ending stigma and building workplaces where people can truly thrive.Primary Topics Covered:Jeff MacDonald’s diagnosis with anxiety-fueled depressionWhy stigma keeps employees from talking about mental health at workReturning to work as part of recoveryThe role of leadership in shaping workplace cultureWhy organizations must invest beyond “wellness weeks”How breaking stigma improves employee engagement, loyalty, and retentionPractical advice for having vulnerable workplace conversationsThe powerful role of love and hope in recoveryTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and welcome 00:56 - The pressure of masking depression at work 01:37 - When the job itself contributes to mental health struggles 02:13 - Jeff MacDonald’s story: high stress, misdiagnosis, and anxiety-fueled depression 03:00 - Four months away from work and the recovery process 03:23 - Returning to work gradually and finding purpose again 04:13 - The liberation of receiving a diagnosis 04:45 - How position and credibility helped Jeff speak openly 05:41 - Why stigma keeps most employees silent 06:28 - Advice: when to disclose and when to seek help outside work 07:27 - Few organizations truly addressing stigma—less than 10% 07:49 - How COVID changed workplace mental health conversations 08:30 - The duty of care: why mental health matters as much as physical safety 09:14 - Breaking stigma as good business: costs of presenteeism and turnover 09:51 - Younger generations demanding workplaces that care 10:39 - Beyond wellness weeks: real organizational responsibility 11:40 - Why superficial wellness programs aren’t enough 12:34 - Speaking the language executives understand: energy and performance 13:33 - Overcoming fear of hard conversations about mental health 14:06 - How to start a supportive workplace conversation 15:22 - Jeff on love and hope as keys to recovery 17:35 - Reflections on stigma, culture, and real change 18:46 - Closing thoughts and encouragementExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

In July 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline became the new three-digit number in the U.S. for anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. But how does it actually work—and why does calling matter?In this special episode, Dr. John Draper, Director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, joins Terri and Dr. Anita to explain what happens when you dial 988, how trained crisis counselors support callers, and why most people who experience suicidal thoughts survive—and go on to live meaningful lives.Through research, lived experience, and compassionate insight, listeners will learn why 988 is more than a hotline—it’s a pathway to hope, healing, and connection.Primary Topics CoveredThe launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineWhy an easy-to-remember number matters during crisisHow hotlines reduce distress—even for non-suicidal callersThe neuroscience of crisis: why feeling heard restores calmReal statistics on suicide attempts, survival, and recoveryThe five key steps in suicide prevention: Ask, Keep Safe, Be There, Connect, Follow UpWhy caring connections—not shame—are the strongest prevention toolHow 988 offers hope, empathy, and life-saving supportTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and welcome 01:10 - What is 988 and why it matters 01:44 - The challenge of remembering the old 11-digit number 02:16 - Concerns about overwhelming the system with demand 03:02 - Research proving the life-saving impact of crisis hotlines 03:36 - Interview with Dr. John Draper, Director of the Lifeline 04:15 - Why calls are increasing and why that’s a good thing 04:54 - Most callers are not suicidal: why anyone in distress should call 06:17 - How crisis calls reduce distress and restore calm 06:33 - The brain in crisis: fight, flight, freeze vs. empathy and connection 07:55 - The lasting impact of hotline calls weeks later 09:16 - What to expect if you call 988: questions and safety planning 10:42 - Why counselors won’t judge—and what survival statistics show 12:20 - Regret after suicide attempts and why life is worth living 13:29 - How survivors describe finding hope and meaning after crisis 14:56 - The five steps of suicide prevention explained 16:13 - The power of connection: why being there matters most 16:53 - Bringing others in: support networks and follow-up 17:37 - Why 988 should become as natural as 911 18:59 - Calling for yourself—or alongside someone you love 19:22 - Closing reflections and resourcesExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Rates of teen depression and suicide are rising at alarming levels, creating what experts now call a youth mental health crisis. In this deeply personal episode, we hear from Lauren, who was diagnosed with depression at 13 and attempted suicide at 15.Now a survivor and advocate, Lauren shares the subtle but important warning signs her loved ones missed, what might have helped her open up sooner, and how stigma and invalidation pushed her deeper into silence. She also explains why asking direct, compassionate questions about suicide can actually save lives—and what parents, friends, and teachers can do to support struggling teens.If you’re worried about a young person in your life, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope.Primary Topics Covered:The CDC’s alarming statistics on teen depression and suicideLauren’s journey from silent suffering to suicide attempt and survivalEarly warning signs of teen depression and suicidal thoughtsWhy stigma and invalidation can make depression worseHow parents and friends can ask the right questionsThe lifesaving impact of empathy and listening without judgmentThe importance of crisis resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineMessages of hope: why survivors like Lauren are glad to be aliveTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and welcome 01:10 - Rising rates of youth depression and suicide 01:59 - PBS documentary “Hiding in Plain Sight” 02:57 - Introducing Lauren, teen suicide attempt survivor 03:59 - Lauren’s early symptoms of depression at age 13 04:25 - Warning signs of isolation and withdrawal 05:40 - What others might have noticed before her attempt 07:02 - Why wording matters when asking about mental health 07:56 - Would she have admitted suicidal thoughts if asked? 08:38 - Why she hid her struggles from parents and friends 09:47 - Hoping someone would reach out before it was too late 10:42 - The importance of validating emotions, not dismissing them 12:08 - How stigma and invalidation increase suicide risk 12:53 - Depression’s lies: feeling worthless and hopeless 13:54 - The reality of facing death during an attempt 15:01 - Why asking directly about suicide can save lives 16:38 - What to do if someone says they are suicidal 17:50 - How Lauren now copes with suicidal thoughts 18:40 - Lessons for friends, parents, and teachers 20:55 - Role of 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 22:22 - Gratitude for Lauren’s story and closing reflectionsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What if you could predict and prepare for depression triggers before they hit? In this powerful conversation, Terri opens up about her own experience anticipating grief around her mother’s passing and the steps she took to avoid being blindsided by depression.Alongside psychologist Dr. Anita Sanz, we explore the concept of stress and energy forecasting—a proactive mental health tool that helps you recognize high-risk periods, create support plans, and reduce the likelihood of a depressive episode.Whether you’re coping with grief, relationship stress, or sudden life crises, this episode will give you practical strategies to strengthen your mental health resilience and protect your well-being before it spirals.Primary Topics CoveredTerri’s personal story of anticipatory grief and depression riskWhat “stress and energy forecasting” means for mental healthHow to prepare for grief, loss, and life’s hardest momentsThe difference between grief, sadness, and depressionWhy pacing your emotions can prevent relapse into depressionBuilding a proactive plan for unexpected crisesTools for self-care during stressful seasonsHow preparation can reduce the impact of triggersTimestamps00:00 - Introduction and why this episode is different 01:30 - Terri’s story: preparing for her mother’s death and grief 02:44 - What is stress and energy forecasting? 03:16 - Comparing mental health planning to weather forecasting 04:24 - Anticipatory grief and pacing difficult emotions 05:36 - How therapy and open conversations can help 06:54 - Why practicing feeling sadness strengthens resilience 08:42 - The difference between grief, sadness, and depression 10:24 - Using pacing to prevent depressive relapse 11:27 - How to respond to unexpected crises and stressors 12:23 - Creating a written crisis plan and identifying supports 14:08 - Forecasting for predictable stresses like relationships and work 14:36 - Self-care prioritization: what really matters during crisis 15:48 - Final reflections on stress forecasting and resilienceExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Depression is often misunderstood—and overlooked—in older adults. In this deeply moving episode, Mary, a 93-year-old mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, speaks candidly about aging, loneliness, stigma, and how depression changes the way she sees her life.Despite being surrounded by family, Mary shares the quiet struggles of late-life depression: losing friends, declining health, and the difficulty of talking about emotions in her generation. Her reflections remind us of the universal human need for connection and presence, no matter our age.Originally recorded in 2017 and replayed in her memory after her passing, this conversation honors Mary’s courage in sharing her truth. Her words are both heartbreaking and hopeful—showing that talking about depression at any age helps break stigma and builds bridges of understanding.Primary Topics Covered:Depression in older adults and why it’s often overlookedMary’s candid reflections on aging, loss, and lonelinessThe role of stigma in silencing seniors’ mental health strugglesWhy older generations often dismiss or hide depressionHow simple presence and connection provide comfortHealthy habits that support mood in older adultsUniversality of depression across all agesHonoring Mary’s legacy and voice after her passingTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and remembering Mary 01:10 - Depression in older adults: statistics and concerns 02:28 - Meet Mary: 93 years old, candid about depression 03:10 - Growing up in a generation that dismissed emotions 03:36 - Loss of friends, declining health, and late-life sadness 04:59 - Stigma and self-stigma around mental health in seniors 06:06 - Why older adults see depression as weakness 06:50 - Life in senior housing and struggles with connection 07:57 - Generational silence about emotions and vulnerability 08:25 - Mary reflects on depression taking the “flavor” out of life 08:53 - What older adults need most: presence and consistency 09:54 - Universality of wanting someone to care and show up 10:14 - Habits that support senior mental health 11:21 - Honoring Mary’s courage in speaking openly 12:10 - Closing reflections and transition to next episodeExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

So many people living with depression hear the advice: “If you need help, just ask.” But when you’re in the middle of a dark episode, those words can feel vague, overwhelming, or even impossible.In this powerful conversation, mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch—a suicide attempt survivor who has lost friends to suicide—shares his 10 practical scripts for asking for help with depression. These aren’t abstract ideas, but real words you can use when you’re struggling and don’t know what to say.From small requests like asking someone to remind you of your value, to urgent pleas such as, “I’m suicidal. I need help right now,” Sam’s language is compassionate, clear, and potentially lifesaving.This episode is one you’ll want to save, share, and return to whenever you—or someone you love—feels lost in the darkness of depression.Link to Sam's article: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/Primary Topics Covered:Why “just ask for help” isn’t always realisticSam’s personal story of loss and survival10 practical scripts for asking for specific supportHow to request help with everyday tasks when depressedAsking loved ones for affirmations and reminders of worthLanguage to use when you feel unsafe or suicidalWhy believing you are worthy of help is criticalBreaking stigma around needing supportTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and why this episode matters 01:07 - The gap between advice to “ask for help” and reality 01:37 - Sam’s personal loss and reflections on not reaching out 02:24 - Why vague advice fails people in crisis 03:17 - What tools and scripts can offer in the moment 04:02 - Script #6: Asking for help with specific tasks 05:22 - How small support requests help both sides 06:04 - Script #7: Asking for affirmations or favorite memories 07:15 - Reminiscing as a healing tool 07:42 - Script #8: “I’m struggling and afraid I’m reaching my limit” 08:41 - Balancing urgency and clarity in crisis requests 09:00 - Script #9: Reaching out to acquaintances when isolated 09:51 - The importance of believing you’re worthy of connection 10:27 - Script #10: Directly saying “I’m suicidal. I need help now.” 11:22 - Why suicide is an emergency like any other 12:16 - Why reaching out is always worth it 12:35 - The importance of staying alive and asking again 13:05 - Reflections on believing you are worthy of support 14:09 - Personal examples of using Sam’s strategies 14:37 - Healing through affirmations and positive reminders 15:12 - Closing messages of hope and connectionExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

Being told to “just ask for help” isn’t helpful when you don’t have the words. In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, mental health advocate Sam Dylan Finch shares his first five practical scripts for reaching out when depression makes it hard to speak up.As a suicide attempt and suicide loss survivor, Sam understands the barriers that keep people from asking for help—and why clear, specific language can save lives. From simply saying “I don’t want to be alone” to asking a friend to check in on you, these tools give you a starting point when words feel impossible.This episode offers compassionate, real-world guidance that makes asking for help with depression less intimidating and more doable.Link to Sam's list: https://letsqueerthingsup.com/2018/03/03/10-ways-to-reach-out-when-youre-struggling-with-your-mental-health/Link to Sam's blog: letsqueerthingsup.com/tag/mental-health/Primary Topics CoveredWhy “just ask for help” isn’t always realistic adviceSam Dylan Finch’s personal story of loss and survival5 practical scripts for reaching out during depressionAsking for company when you don’t want to be aloneHow to make specific requests that loved ones can honorAsking for distraction when you’re not ready to talkWhy check-ins can be lifesavingThe role of peer support in mental health recoveryTimestamps00:00 - Introduction to Giving Voice to Depression 01:02 - Social media posts that inspire peer support 02:29 - Introducing Sam Dylan Finch: writer, advocate, survivor 03:06 - Why Sam wrote “10 Ways to Reach Out When Struggling” 03:54 - Losing a close friend to suicide and lessons learned 04:42 - Why loved ones—not just clinicians—matter in crisis 05:20 - Normalizing the need to ask for help 06:03 - Script #1: “I don’t want to be alone” 07:00 - Script #2: “What I’ve been trying isn’t working—can we make a plan?” 08:46 - Script #3: “I don’t feel safe—can you stay on the phone or come over?” 09:39 - Script #4: “I’m in a bad place, but not ready to talk. Can you distract me?” 11:49 - Script #5: “Can you check in with me (on a specific schedule)?” 13:36 - Why connection and visibility matter in recovery 14:48 - How early check-ins prevent crises from escalating 15:13 - Closing reflections and preview of Part 2Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/

What actually helps when you’re deep in depression? After five years and over 300 episodes of Giving Voice to Depression, Terry and Bridget reflect on the most powerful coping tools they’ve learned from guests who’ve lived it.From journaling and safety plans to laughter, music, and sleep, they revisit the strategies that consistently come up as life-saving—and why no single tool works for everyone, every time. They also reflect on the heartbreaking reality that even with resources and support, families sometimes still lose loved ones to suicide—and how that truth drives their mission.This heartfelt conversation honors the courage of every guest who shared vulnerably, and the power of story to remind us that while we may sometimes feel alone, we are never truly alone in our struggles with depression.Primary Topics CoveredThe most powerful depression coping tools learned over 5 yearsWhy journaling and expressive writing can be transformativeSleep as a critical foundation for mental healthDistraction strategies: comedy, YouTube, games, and musicCreating a “toolbox” or “comfort box” to use during tough timesBuilding safety plans for moments of crisisThe painful reality of suicide loss despite resources and effortThe difference between being physically alone vs. not alone in experienceThe power of shared stories to reduce isolationGratitude for the community built through the podcastTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Part 2 of reflections 00:12 - Exploring coping tools learned from guests 00:30 - Journaling and expressive writing as therapy 01:18 - Morning routines and accountability practices 01:54 - Sleep as a key to managing depression 02:20 - Distraction tools: comedy, puzzles, music, and more 03:08 - Creating a comfort box of reminders and supports 03:43 - Safety plans: preparing for moments of crisis 04:46 - Writing affirmations in your own handwriting 05:22 - Why it’s hard to accept compliments when depressed 06:01 - The most impactful guest stories and metaphors 07:34 - The reality of suicide loss despite support 09:01 - Suicidal thoughts and depression: overlapping circles 09:45 - The authenticity of real-time lived experiences 10:19 - Understanding “you’re not alone” differently 11:08 - Choosing solitude vs. the power of shared story 12:16 - Creating distance to process painful experiences 13:22 - A poet’s metaphor: visualizing thousands of listeners 13:56 - Building a global community of connection and hope 15:24 - Reflections on the personal and shared journey 16:33 - Celebrating growth, advocacy, and future contributionsExplore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.comFacebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/